While I tend to actively avoid feminist preaching, I admire
the tone Hazel Barnes assumes in her work, “Sartre and Feminism”. Her unbiased
approach appears to be the most effective means of representing both sides of
the argument, which is essential to all forms of progressive dialogue.
The biggest problem I have with feminist blaspheming,
regardless of the subject (but certainly relevant to the discussion of Sartre’s
works), is no different than the problem feminists strike with even the
slightest instances of male dominance: Advocates of male superiority and feminists
alike often overlook the importance
of what is being said and mistake overemphasized technicalities for indications
of absolute truth. The best example I have to support this equal-but-opposite assertion
is in reference to the Bible, better yet, longstanding Christian tradition in
general. Aside from instances in the Bible wherein male dominance is often cited,
I even hear of female extremists scoffing at the notion of a male god-figure—a
most ridiculous act of rebellion if you ask me. Fact of the matter is, the
importance one puts on God being male or female detracts from His word. Further
yet, the way I see it, the more an individual becomes absorbed and obsessed
with God being this or that, the less he/she actually cares about what is
actually meant by the text.
If it makes any difference at all, I’ll be the first to
admit that gender inequality is real, and has been for some time, often as a
result of misinterpreted and conflated religious doctrine. However, this does
not justify some of the far-fetched claims that feminism is suggesting the pseudo-existence
of male superiority is responsible for. It seems like every day I hear speculation
of racism, gender mistreatment, religious conflict, you name it; but I’m skeptical
of the legitimacy behind each case, for everything amounts to little more than
a power-struggle and it’s not uncommon to find extortion behind the wildest of
these schemes.
Yours Tru.ly
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